Who is Richard (and why is he running with Pretty Sled Dogs)? - The Cartoonist

So, who is this "Richard" that sleeps in flower pots and cares for the curly tails that is now going to be running in competition with the Pretty Sled Dogs?

For long time followers of the blog and North Wapiti adventures, Richard was last year's handler who took care of North Wapiti while Karen and Mark were at the Iditarod.  Richard hails from Lincolnshire, England and actually has been very active in sled dog competition for the past 10 years "across the pond".

Here is a picture of Richard in action at the Old Fineshades Race

(photograph courtesy of Louise Cooke)

Richard has competed and won in numerous Dry Land and Sled competitions to include (but not limited to):

• Sled Dog Association of Scotland’s  CSJ Championships
• Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain Aviemore Sled Dog Rally
• Quantock Quest Sled Dog Rally
• Affiliated British Sleddog Activities Championships

So you can see, he's certainly not a "novice" when it comes to the sport of sled dog racing, but there are some challenges going from Dry Land or even sledding as he knows it from the UK to the arctic climates of Canada and other colder areas that he'll have to learn about... plus the tricky transition of driving on the proper side of the trail

Training Begins - The Cartoonist

Now that the word is out about the 2011 schedule, and that Richard will be running in some of those races, we've been given permission to release this one photo of Richard in training.

I'm sure a lot of you are speculating, and perhaps even placing bets on which dogs Richard will be racing this year.  As a novice musher, Karen is entrusting Richard with seasoned veterans and even allowing him to use one of her finest sleds for his training to make sure he gets the most experience on the trails.

I'm sure we'll have more exciting pictures as Richard's training progresses.

- The Cartoonist -

2010/2011 Race Plans

Entries for the 2011 Iditarod closed yesterday and as some have pointed out to me, my name isn't on the list this time.
No, it is not an oversight. For the first time since 2002 we will not be heading to Alaska this winter. The decision is mostly a financial one.

But that doesn't mean that we won't be hitting the trails this season - not even close. I am actually very excited and very much looking forward to our race plans for the season!!

One of biggest surprises for followers of the kennel this season is the addition of a 'new' driver to the NorthWapiti team. Nope, I'm not kidding. Richard Todd of Lincolnshire, England will be driving a second team for us in any races Mark isn't running.
As you all likely know, Richard was here working with us last winter and we are thrilled to have him back involved with the team in an even bigger way this season.
(And just because I've already had a few inquiries - no, this isn't something we see ourselves doing on a regular basis. The situation with Richard is unique and unlikely to be repeated with others).

So our first race of the season will be the Eagle Cap Extreme in Joseph, Oregon - http://www.eaglecapextreme.com/  
(Karen and Richard racing)

Next up is the Elkford Wilderness Classic Elkford Wilderness Classic in (surprise, surprise) Elkford, BC
(Karen and Richard)

Then is the Rail Trail 200 in Grand Forks, BC http://www.railtrail200.com/
(Karen and Mark)

The Canadian Challenge will be our biggest race of the season. http://www.canadianchallenge.com/
(Karen and Mark)

I've always wanted to run The Percy DeWolfe in the Yukon http://www.thepercy.com/ , so this seemed like a good year to give it a go.
(Karen and Richard).

There may be a few changes and additions as the season goes on (I've been looking at the Torch River Run in Saskatchewan with interest) and we will be certain to keep the blog updated with our plans and how to follow us throughout the season.

As I said, we are all excited about these races and think that we will be fielding some really nice teams. All of this will have the dogs primed and ready to hit the Iditarod Trail again in 2012!!!!

Karen

Richard and his Axe

Oh look, another picture of Richard with an axe....

In case you missed his previous blog appearances with his axe, here you go...
 

And this from last week...

Honestly, I do let him do more then chop stuff around here....like shoveling the dog yard...he's such a lucky guy!!!

But back to today...here he is chopping away at a downed tree that I got my ATV hung up on.

Runner was alittle impatient with the hold up...

I was just grateful I didn't have to chop the tree out of the way.

Ta Da!

And we were underway again!

Oh...and this is the other thing Richard did today...

Told you I have him do more then just chop stuff!!!

Peace River Trail

We have been hearing wonderful things about the Peace River Trail and finally decided that we needed to check it out for ourselves.

Last week Mark headed over with an ATV (no dogs) and did some exploring. This morning, armed with his notes and a GPS with some key landmarks flagged, Richard and I loaded 16 dogs and an ATV and headed over to do some exploring of our own.

Hooking up at the trail head

Ready to roll

That's the Athabasca River on the left.

A nice little trappers cabin on the side of the trail. It is obvious that the owners have 'bush smarts' as the cabin was neat, well organized and 'put up' nicely to protect it from critters. Of course the door was not locked so travelers in need could make use of it. The 'code of the trail' still applies in these parts.

Rocky and Roscoe

A lot of work, including new bridges, was put into the trail this past summer.

Today was the last day of hunting season, so we dressed to be seen and not shot at!!

Sunset over the Athabasca River

Back at the truck after a nice 40 mile run. 

Well, folks weren't misleading us. It was a great trail and we will definitely be back.

Spectacular

It was a spectacular day out on the trails today....

Spectacular!!!

"Excuse us - but wasn't there other spectacular things than the scenery??"

Yes, of course Casey. You guys were spectacular too!! You all rock!!

Is that better Charge??

Apparently so!!!

A  spectacular dog team and a spectacular day!!!

Really Not All That 'Proper'

I'm  coming to believe that underneath it all Brits are just as 'redneck' as us Albertans.  Or at least the Brits I live with...

 Yup - ALL of the Brits...

Todd

Fletch

Many thanks to our neighbours up the hill for dropping off the remnants of 3 moose and an elk today. The puppies and Geriatrics are unbelievably happy!!!